Plans for new grammar schools appear to have been accidentally revealed - after an education department official was photographed with a document containing the details.
Pictured in Downing Street, it reveals that "the con (consultation) doc says we will open new grammars".
However, it does suggest only, "once we have worked with existing grammars to show how they can be expanded and reformed in ways which avoid disadvantage those who don't get in".
Grammar schools are state secondaries that select their pupils by setting an entrance exam at age 11.
There are currently 163 in England - out of some 3,000 state secondaries.
However, under a law created by Labour's Tony Blair in 1998, no new grammar schools are allowed to open in England.
Previously the Education Secretary Justine Greening has said she is prepared to be "open minded" about allowing new grammar schools in England.
This document appears to show that the Government is actively working towards lifting the ban, with expectations that it will be announced at Conservative Party Conference next month.
But such a move would likely face strong opposition from both Labour and the Liberal Democrats.
Prime Minister Theresa May, who went to a grammar school, commands a majority of just 12 in the House of Commons, but the Conservative's have no majority in the House of Lords.
Angela Rayner MP, shadow education secretary, said: "The cat is out of the bag: behind closed doors the Tories are planning a return to the bad old days of grammars, ignoring all the evidence which has told us time and again that they do not aid social mobility.
"As Michael Wilshaw said yesterday, with every grammar school you open you create three more secondary moderns with it. It's a policy which reveals the truth of this Tory Government: caring only for the few at the expense of the majority."
Meanwhile Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron told Sky News: "(The) Government are planning to shamefully extend grammar schools through the back door. Lib Dems will keep opposing them."
More than 100 Tory MPs are thought to support a campaign by ConservativeVoice, which was endorsed by senior cabinet ministers Liam Fox and David Davis in 2012.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister has been clear that we need to build a country that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.
"We are looking at a range of options to allow more children to access a school that lets them rise as far as their talents will take them.
"Policies on education will be set out in due course and it would be inappropriate to comment further on internal government documents."
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Boy Hurt In Alleged Racist Attack By Older Children In Bristol
A 10-year-old boy had to be taken to hospital after an alleged racist attack by two older children.
Police said the youngster was taken to a building site in the Station Avenue South area of Fishponds in Bristol, where he was assaulted by two other boys.
They are treating the incident, which happened at about 5.30pm on Monday, as racially motivated "due to words used by the offenders" during the attack.
The victim was found by a woman who took him back to her home.
He was later taken to Bristol Children's Hospital with injuries to his face and body, and has since been discharged.
Avon and Somerset Police officers have spoken to two boys, aged 11 and 12, and are making arrangements for them to be formally interviewed.
Detective Inspector Steve Cartlidge said they would also be video-interviewing the victim to gain a full picture of what happened.
"Any form of hate crime will be thoroughly investigated and we will be supporting the victim's family and keeping them fully informed of our progress," he said.
"We'd like to thank the local community for the help they've already provided to us, as well as the woman who came to the victim's aid following the assault.
"If anyone has information about this incident, or if you were in the Station Avenue South area of Fishponds at the time it happened, please call us as soon as possible."
:: Anyone with information about the incident should call police on 101.
Police said the youngster was taken to a building site in the Station Avenue South area of Fishponds in Bristol, where he was assaulted by two other boys.
They are treating the incident, which happened at about 5.30pm on Monday, as racially motivated "due to words used by the offenders" during the attack.
The victim was found by a woman who took him back to her home.
He was later taken to Bristol Children's Hospital with injuries to his face and body, and has since been discharged.
Avon and Somerset Police officers have spoken to two boys, aged 11 and 12, and are making arrangements for them to be formally interviewed.
Detective Inspector Steve Cartlidge said they would also be video-interviewing the victim to gain a full picture of what happened.
"Any form of hate crime will be thoroughly investigated and we will be supporting the victim's family and keeping them fully informed of our progress," he said.
"We'd like to thank the local community for the help they've already provided to us, as well as the woman who came to the victim's aid following the assault.
"If anyone has information about this incident, or if you were in the Station Avenue South area of Fishponds at the time it happened, please call us as soon as possible."
:: Anyone with information about the incident should call police on 101.
UBS Could Shift 1,500 Jobs Out Of London
The boss of Swiss banking giant UBS has warned it could shift up to 1,500 jobs out of London after the UK voted to leave the EU.
Chief executive Sergio Ermotti told Japan's Nikkei newspaper that the capital faced a diminished role as a financial centre in the future.
He said 20% to 30% of its 5,000-strong workforce in London could be affected.
Multinational businesses are awaiting the details of what Brexit will mean as they assess how it affects them.
A key issue for London-based banks will be what becomes of current "passporting" arrangements that allow them to operate across Europe.
Mr Ermotti said UBS was "well prepared for any outcome".
He added: "We currently employ more than 5,000 people in London, and probably 20% to 30% of our workforce could be affected.
"We believe that London will continue to be an important financial centre, although maybe not as important as it is today."
The comments come after Lloyd's of London said it could be forced to move part of its business to the continent unless single market access is secured in a post-Brexit Britain.
Meanwhile, Japanese officials cited passporting arrangements in a dossier setting out how its companies' investments in the UK could be damaged by the country losing single market status.
Chief executive Sergio Ermotti told Japan's Nikkei newspaper that the capital faced a diminished role as a financial centre in the future.
He said 20% to 30% of its 5,000-strong workforce in London could be affected.
Multinational businesses are awaiting the details of what Brexit will mean as they assess how it affects them.
A key issue for London-based banks will be what becomes of current "passporting" arrangements that allow them to operate across Europe.
Mr Ermotti said UBS was "well prepared for any outcome".
He added: "We currently employ more than 5,000 people in London, and probably 20% to 30% of our workforce could be affected.
"We believe that London will continue to be an important financial centre, although maybe not as important as it is today."
The comments come after Lloyd's of London said it could be forced to move part of its business to the continent unless single market access is secured in a post-Brexit Britain.
Meanwhile, Japanese officials cited passporting arrangements in a dossier setting out how its companies' investments in the UK could be damaged by the country losing single market status.
First Openly Gay Contestant Aims To Be Miss America
Miss America gets under way today with an openly lesbian contestant for the first time in its 95-year history.
Erin O'Flaherty was crowned Miss Missouri in June, when she was also the first openly gay winner of that competition.
At the time she told reporters: "I don't know that I intended to be the first but I am, so I'm very excited about it."
Ms O'Flaherty, who owns a clothing shop in St Louis, came out five years ago, at the age of 18.
But, while her sexuality is "certainly a big part of who I am", she added: "Also there will be many appearances that I do that have nothing to do with that".
Instead, her main platform in the competition is suicide prevention.
Djuan Trent competed in the Miss America pageant as Miss Kentucky in 2011, finishing in the top 10, before coming out as a lesbian in 2014.
Patricia Yurena, who won Miss Spain twice and was runner-up in the 2013 Miss Universe, also announced in 2014 that she was gay.
The 2017 Miss America pageant begins in Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall, where it began in 1921.
Josh Randle, chief operating officer of the Miss America Organization, said the pageant reflects a changing America.
"Through every major milestone of our nation's evolution, Miss America has provided a voice for women from all walks of life, and, this year, we welcome our first openly gay contestant," he said.
"Miss America contestants continue to be the best and brightest in the country, and we proudly support each and every young woman who competes in our national programme."
Tuesday is the first of three nights of preliminary competitions that end on Thursday.
The winner will be crowned on Sunday night.
Erin O'Flaherty was crowned Miss Missouri in June, when she was also the first openly gay winner of that competition.
At the time she told reporters: "I don't know that I intended to be the first but I am, so I'm very excited about it."
Ms O'Flaherty, who owns a clothing shop in St Louis, came out five years ago, at the age of 18.
But, while her sexuality is "certainly a big part of who I am", she added: "Also there will be many appearances that I do that have nothing to do with that".
Instead, her main platform in the competition is suicide prevention.
Djuan Trent competed in the Miss America pageant as Miss Kentucky in 2011, finishing in the top 10, before coming out as a lesbian in 2014.
Patricia Yurena, who won Miss Spain twice and was runner-up in the 2013 Miss Universe, also announced in 2014 that she was gay.
The 2017 Miss America pageant begins in Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall, where it began in 1921.
Josh Randle, chief operating officer of the Miss America Organization, said the pageant reflects a changing America.
"Through every major milestone of our nation's evolution, Miss America has provided a voice for women from all walks of life, and, this year, we welcome our first openly gay contestant," he said.
"Miss America contestants continue to be the best and brightest in the country, and we proudly support each and every young woman who competes in our national programme."
Tuesday is the first of three nights of preliminary competitions that end on Thursday.
The winner will be crowned on Sunday night.
Keith Vaz Set To Quit As Home Affairs Committee Chair
Keith Vaz is expected to stand down as chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee later today, a member has told Sky News.
The Leicester East MP is due to meet colleagues following reports he paid two male escorts for sex.
Mr Vaz, who has publicly apologised to his wife and children for the "hurt and distress" caused, has been under pressure to quit the powerful cross-party committee, whose members are threatening a vote of no confidence in Mr Vaz if he does not step aside.
The Labour MP is also facing a possible investigation by the Commons' sleaze watchdog over the allegations.
The high-profile Leicester East MP returned to work on Monday and asked questions in the chamber about terror suspects who have fled Britain to join Islamic State, as well as the war in Yemen where he was born.
He has received a letter from law firm Howard Kennedy accusing him of "maliciously spreading false and highly defamatory scuttlebutt" about Mr Vaz.
On Monday, Mr Bridgen told Sky News: "But at the end of the day I think Mr Vaz has historically and is now currently bringing Parliament into disrepute and I don't think he is a fit and proper person to be a Member of Parliament."
The Sunday Mirror also reported Mr Vaz offered to pay for a Class A drug and discussed using the party drug "poppers".
The Home Affairs Select Committee is considering a review of prostitution laws. Mr Vaz also opposed government attempts to criminalise poppers.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has indicated there is no need for Mr Vaz to stand down from the party.
He stated: "Well, he hasn't committed any crime that I know of. As far as I'm aware it is a private matter, and I will obviously be talking to Keith."
Prime Minister Theresa May said voters must be able to have "confidence" in their politicians, adding: "What Keith does is for Keith, and any decisions he wishes to make are for him".
London City Airport Runway Shut By Black Lives Matter
Flights at London City Airport have been delayed after Black Lives Matter protesters crossed the dock and "occupied" the runway.
Metropolitan Police said it was called to the airport at 5.40am to reports of protesters "who made their way airside".
Nine demonstrators have erected a tripod on the runway and have locked themselves together, Met Police added.
No arrests have been made at this stage.
Met Police said: "Officers are currently on scene and are negotiating with them.
"We are awaiting the arrival of specialist resources that are able to 'unlock' the protesters."
Black Lives Matter protesters on the runway at London City Airport
Flights to Zurich, Geneva, Guernsey and Zurich have been cancelled, while flights which were due to arrive at the airport from Rotterdam, Luxembourg, New York and Frankfurt have all been diverted.
In a statement Black Lives Matter UK said that activists are carrying out the demonstration "in order to highlight the UK's environmental impact on the lives of black people".
It added that the planned expansion of London City Airport "consigns the local community in Newham to further deterioration of their environment".
The statement read: "The average salary of a London City Airport user is €136,000 (£113,800) and 63% of them work in business, finance or other business services.
"It is an airport designed for the wealthy.
"At the same time 40% of Newham's population struggle to survive on £20,000 or less."
The protest comes a month after ten Black Lives Matter UK activists were arrested after a demonstration near Heathrow Airport.
In a statement London City Airport said: "We're currently experiencing disruption to all flights due to protesters at the airport.
"Police are currently on the scene."
The European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation said that there will be no arrivals at London City Airport until at least 11am.
London City Airport Runway Shut By Black Lives Matter
Flights at London City Airport have been delayed after Black Lives Matter protesters crossed the dock and "occupied" the runway.
Metropolitan Police said it was called to the airport at 5.40am to reports of protesters "who made their way airside".
Nine demonstrators have erected a tripod on the runway and have locked themselves together, Met Police added.
No arrests have been made at this stage.
Met Police said: "Officers are currently on scene and are negotiating with them.
"We are awaiting the arrival of specialist resources that are able to 'unlock' the protesters."
Black Lives Matter protesters on the runway at London City Airport
Flights to Zurich, Geneva, Guernsey and Zurich have been cancelled, while flights which were due to arrive at the airport from Rotterdam, Luxembourg, New York and Frankfurt have all been diverted.
In a statement Black Lives Matter UK said that activists are carrying out the demonstration "in order to highlight the UK's environmental impact on the lives of black people".
It added that the planned expansion of London City Airport "consigns the local community in Newham to further deterioration of their environment".
The statement read: "The average salary of a London City Airport user is €136,000 (£113,800) and 63% of them work in business, finance or other business services.
"It is an airport designed for the wealthy.
"At the same time 40% of Newham's population struggle to survive on £20,000 or less."
The protest comes a month after ten Black Lives Matter UK activists were arrested after a demonstration near Heathrow Airport.
In a statement London City Airport said: "We're currently experiencing disruption to all flights due to protesters at the airport.
"Police are currently on the scene."
The European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation said that there will be no arrivals at London City Airport until at least 11am.
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